SPEY Tenné

A limited run from Spey, a tawny port finished single malt. It's collected some accolades, and after trying the Spey Fumare, it piqued my interest. Let's get to it! Bottled at 46%abv, tawny color. On the nose, wild aromas that made it incredibly intriguing. Water balloons, a cheap fruity wine called "Boones", apples, latex, prunes, damp old wall paint susceptible to humidity damage; plastic, silicon. I told you it was wild. After the initial taste, the aroma shifted to a refined toffee, cream, hay, chocolate, mineral water, and grapes. On the palate, very fruity, precisely as you'd expect from a tawny port finish. Red fruits, a touch of spice, cherry syrup, light wine. A second sip brought vanilla, toffee, and salt. Aftertaste is pleasant, uncomplicated but good. Faint smoke, coarse grains of salt. In conclusion, this one is so unusual it's successful. I doubt you could drink this single malt daily, but if you can find it, get it. It's an experience any whisky fan should have. My rating for it is a solid 85 out of 100.

What grabs you first is the hue; it’s a pink whiskey! Remarkably strange in appearance, building curiosity about its flavor profile. Nose: Port, fortified wine, cranberries. Quite sweet. Palate: Following such an encouraging opening, this is where things decline. The initial taste is purely alcohol. Peppery, coriander, dish soap. Still intensely sweet, with port and sherry, hard candy, chili peppers. Finish: Acrid, chili peppers and spice. Granny Smith apple. In summary, this is a very spirit-forward, fruity dram. It possesses a sweet, bordering on cloying, port character and a remarkably brief finish. Definitely not my preference.

A subtle nose, an interesting body, mild spice, and tannins at the end.

The aroma has brown sugar and fruit notes. The taste is of spicy fruit.

Pleasant and smooth. Good for those who prefer less peat.

Mildly sweet, approachable. Perhaps a little expensive